Nick to Toyota and Ralf to BMW?

[ioan]

That's what they are speculating at the moment anyway.

http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlin...05101248.shtml

[Ranger]

Two observations:

1) The source is the ever so reliable "Bild" newspaper.
2) This would only happen if Mario decides to dump Nick. Now considering he has recently hailed him as a future world champion, this is somewhat unlikely.

I'm not denying Toyota would have launched a bid, but I see no reason why Nick would leave a team definitely on the rise by his own accord.

[tintop]

Two observations:

1) The source is the ever so reliable "Bild" newspaper.
2) This would only happen if Mario decides to dump Nick. Now considering he has recently hailed him as a future world champion, this is somewhat unlikely.

I'm not denying Toyota would have launched a bid, but I see no reason why Nick would leave a team definitely on the rise by his own accord.

Or why any team would be interested in Ralf.

[jens]

That kind of speculation has existed already since late 2006, so I think it has some evidence.

Well. For Heidfeld BMW would be the best perspective. Not impossible that already in 2008 BMW will fight for the title.

I hope that this kind of exchange wouldn't take place as I rate Nick higher than Ralf and I hope that his career wouldn't be ruined as he at last seems to have well established in a good team. Unlike Ralf Nick has never driven in a team that is able to challenge for the title and I'd really like to see, what can he do in a top car.

I suspect that unlike BMW Toyota won't be a serious threat for title contenders in the next couple of years either.

What concerns Vettel, then I suppose that he wouldn't be brought in before 2009 (unless he drives for STR in 2008) - more likely he will drive in GP2 in 2008.

And the last sentence from Toyota's perspective. It would be interesting to see some change there, but firstly they should get someone for example Ross Brawn to make the team more hopeful and attractive for others.

[jens]

Or why any team would be interested in Ralf.

Ralf is a good test driver. He was in Williams-BMW, when the team managed to rise into title contention and that aspect he can't be underestimated as he was partnered by a team-mate that hasn't been known as a "hard worker". Probably BMW has that factor still in memory and believes that with Ralf they can develop into title contention again?

In fact, all the Germans are known as good car developers - Michael, Ralf, Nick and Nico. Smart nation.

So I don't think there will be much difference between Ralf and Nico in car's development side. I suppose that the more initiative side is Toyota.

[Valve Bounce]

Let's be honest - hands up anyone who thinks Ralfie can win a WDC!!

[Ian McC]

Two observations:

1) The source is the ever so reliable "Bild" newspaper.

Yes, that was my first thought too.

[Ian McC]

Let's be honest - hands up anyone who thinks Ralfie can win a WDC!!

No!

[Nikki Katz]

I can see Heidfeld moving to Toyota, but if BMW do drop him for whatever reason I'd be shocked to see Ralf taking his seat. I think it's much more likely Heidfeld will stay where he is. Not too sure about Ralf.

[Valve Bounce]

I think that Ralfie's value lies in the name Schumacher. If his name was Schmidt, he would be Schidt!!